Robber caught by passing have-a-go-hero in Wakefield city centre

A brave passer-by helped wrestle a robber to the ground moments after he carried out a violent attack on a shopkeeper in Northgate.

Michael Johnson dodged a headbutt aimed at him by David Wright before restraining him during the incident in Wakefield city centre.

Leeds Crown Court heard Wright, 26, went into Northgate Newsagents on February 1 and subjected owner Mohammed Patel, 67, to a terrifying ordeal which was caught on camera.

Wright walked behind the counter and grabbed the victim around the neck and pushed him to the ground before taking cash from the till.

CCTV footage showed Wright struggling with the shop keeper as he stole scratch cards and cigarettes,

Catherine Silverton, prosecuting, told the court that Wright let the shop and Mr Johnson gave chase as his wife rang police.

Wright stopped and walked up to Mr Johnson before trying to headbutt him. Mr Johnson, described in court as a retired man, managed to restrain Wright with the help of another member of the public. Wright was arrested when police arrived. Wright, of Rishworth Street, Wakefield, admitted robbery.

Daniel Smith, mitigating, said Wright was drunk at the time of the attack, adding: “He is disgusted with himself. He can’t believe what he has done.”

Jailing Wright for two-years-and-eight-months, Recorder Martin Bethel QC told him: “This is a very serious matter. The victim was aged 67 and was in no position to defend himself against you.”

After the hearing, father-of-three Mohammed Patel, said: “Mr Johnson is a nice gentleman. If he hadn’t been there he (Wright) would have got away.”